Mexico v South Africa team news: Wolves signing starts

Mexico and South Africa have confirmed their starting line-ups for the first match of the 2026 World Cup this evening.

World Cup co-hosts Mexico are the odds-on favourites to win Group A and they will fancy their chances of securing three points at the Estadio Azteca.

Javier Aguirre's side have been tipped to go deep into the tournament this summer despite failing to progress through the group stages at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Their opening match has pitted them against group outsiders South Africa in a repeat of the opening match of 2010 World Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.

South Africa will be cautiously optimistic about their chances of reaching the knockout stages having also been drawn against South Korea and Czech Republic in Group A.

Mexico will line up with a 4-1-4-1 formation and veteran striker Raul Jimenez will lead the line.

Jimenez has recently rejoined Championship side Wolves after leaving Fulham following the end of the 2025/26 season.

17-year-old Gilberto Mora has been named amongst the substitutes along with former West Ham defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez and AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez.

South Africa will operate a 5-3-2 system as they look to uspet the co-hosts.

The headline news is that Burnley striker Lyle Foster will start up front alongside Iqraam Mayners.

Teboho Mokoena starts in a midfield three with Yaya Sithole and Jayden Adams.

Mexico team news

Raul Rangel
Jesus Gallardo
Johan Vasquez
Cesar Montes
Israel Reyes
Erik Lira
Julian Quinones
Alvaro Fidalgo
Brian Gutiérrez
Roberto Alvarado
Raul Jimenez

South Africa team news

Ronwen Williams
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Ime Okon
Aubrey Modiba
Khuliso Mudau
Teboho Mokoena
Yaya Sithole
Jayden Adams
Lyle Foster
Iqraam Rayners